There has been outrage after a republican memorial in Milltown Cemetery, Belfast was defaced.

Sinn Fein MP Paul Maskey hit out after graffiti was scrawled on the plot in what he described as a "sectarian attack" overnight on Sunday into Monday.

The Irish Proclamation was defaced with the words "F**k the IRA" and "Ulster forever".

Headstones were also attacked.

Mr Maskey said: “All graveyards are sacred places and should be respected.

“This attack is outrageous and does nothing other than cause distress to families whose loved ones are buried in the plot.

“I would like to commend the National Graves Association who tend to the Republican Plot and whose members are already involved in a clean-up of the graves.

“If anyone has any information about those responsible for this vile attack I would urge them to bring it forward to the police.”

Police are appealing for information.

Constable Donnan said: "I would ask anyone who knows anything about this incident to contact Woodbourne Police Station on the non-emergency number 101, quoting reference number 468 of 30/05/16. Or if someone would prefer to provide information without giving their details, they can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers and speak to them anonymously on 0800 555 111."